trailer project nearing completion

[10secBu]

As some of you may remember, I've been working on a long term custom car trailer project. Well, it's nearly complete with the large tool/storage box being the last item to be completed.

The frame of the box is finally been painted and installed as well as the interior sheet aluminum. The doors have been painted and installed with the hinges & latching hardware.

The last thing I'm currently working on is the sheet aluminum exterior skin. I installed the front and rear panels last evening and have to get a local sheet metal shop to bend the flanges for the top (my shops bender is too small to bend a 7 1/2 foot long bend in .050" aluminum).

I'll post pics as the work gets completed...over the next week or two, so sheck back from time-to-time.

For those unfamiliar, here is a link to all the pics of the project from the very start.

http://www.qis.net/~geislert

[morpheus]

looking good man !

how do you get out of the car once you've got it in the trailer ?


- jack

[10secBu]

Thanks Jack...I just wanna get this stinking thing done...dragged on too long.

The drivers side trailer fender is removable so getting out the of the drivers side car door is no problem...I just gotta remember to take the fender OFF before loading the car. LOL. Ask me how I know that... .

Edit: I forgot to mention...the latest pics are the highest numbered trailer pics and the trailer_box.jpg images.

[axehind]

Nice!

What do you think the total cost is going to be?

axehind

[10secBu]

I don't think I really want to know the final cost figure...got way out of hand. Considering every thing was metal blasted, then painted with epoxy primer & urethane paint, winch, etc, etc...

The reason for the blasting paint is to that hopefully it'll last longer being stored outside...most commercially available trailers feature very little prep (no blasting to remove mill scale) and the paint deteriorates and rusts within 2 years of outside storage.

It's safe to say the cost are probably close to $4000.00, maybe more...don't really want to know.

[Ryel]

Very serious trailer and the car looks good too!

[echo8287]

Killer trailer

Man you're trailer is slamming! I guess you hate to pull a car up on it since it looks so pristine. I really like the long ramps and the way you attached them ,also the inset trailer lights,very clean looking and professional. Great job!

[cope]

Todd, nice job. I've shown the pictures to several friends. Regardless of the cost, you couldn't afford to have someone make that trailer for you.

[axehind]

Originally posted by 10secBu
I don't think I really want to know the final cost figure...got way out of hand. Considering every thing was metal blasted, then painted with epoxy primer & urethane paint, winch, etc, etc...

It's safe to say the cost are probably close to $4000.00, maybe more...don't really want to know.

I was wondering how you got it so smooth and shiny looking.... now I know. It truely is a great looking trailer.

axehind.

[Mark Prosser]

That is a very impressive looking trailer. Excellent workmanship.
I really like the way the ramps are stored and the backup lights (I assume that they are backup lights). What size winch are you using and how is it hooked up for power?

Mark

[10secBu]

Thanks guys, I'm just glad it's almost done...dragged out way too long.

Mark, Yes those are back up lights. I wasn't planing on installing them, but a friend urged me to put them on...last place they could fit. Not that I can really see with them seeing the whole trailer is 24 foot ball coupler to tail end and my Suburban has the dark privacy glass...makes backing up in the dark rather challenging.

The winch is a Z3500 Warn, rated at 3500 lbs. I'm going to run both power and ground 2 awg power leads from the trucks battery to the truck rear bumper. I'll then use the large Anderson connectors to make a jumper from the truck to the trailer. The winch will have an Anderson connector under the front crossmember close to the tongue. To use the winch, all you have to do is plug in both ends of the jumper to connect the trailer to the truck, and open a hinged access door on the back of the storage box...keeps the winch out of the weather too.

[10secBu]

I just uploaded a few more pics...it's getting close, but a little more ways to go yet.

The newest pics are trailer_box19.jpg thru trailer_box33.jpg.

http://www.qis.net/~geislert

[bv217]

let me put it this way WOW! looks great; seen all you photo's including the malibu.

[10secBu]

Most recent pics just posted. There here...

http://www.qis.net/~geislert

The most recent are named trailer_done_1 through 5...down at the bottom of the list.

The only items on the punch list are a little caulking at the top edge of the diamond plate, make the aluminum winch cover and to redesign the winch access door/hinge.

Took the car trailer to a shop for chassis dyno tuning and 4 corner scaling/weighing. The trailer tows great even with 20-30 mph wind gusts...very pleased with how it tows...tool storage tool box is the best part IMO...no more piling tools/parts in the back of the Suburban.

[morpheus]

looks good Todd, very professional looking



- jack